"I'm back."

“Son, where on earth have you been? Your phone was unreachable, you nearly drove me crazy with worry.”

In the panoramic video, Yun Rong’s face was full of reproach.

Zhong Yun chuckled. “Your son is all grown up, what’s there to worry about? I was just wandering around, and my phone broke. I only just bought a new one.”

“If your father hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve called the police. You really are a handful.” Despite her scolding, Zhong Yun felt a warmth in his heart. “Sorry! Next time I’ll tell you in advance.”

“How about your dad?” Zhong Yun deliberately changed the subject.

“He’s at the company. Where are you now? In a hotel?”

“On a plane. Just a few more hours and I’ll be in Mingzhou,” Zhong Yun replied.

“How can you afford such a fancy plane?” Yun Rong was a bit surprised; from the panoramic image, it was clear this was an extremely luxurious suite—she had thought it was just a private room, never imagining it was a chartered flight.

Though her son was quite impressive now, a mother’s worries never end. He was still young, and being too free with money wasn’t always a good thing.

“Don’t worry about it. I haven’t stolen or robbed anyone,” Zhong Yun said with a mischievous grin.

She had to admit, he had a point. Yun Rong smiled slightly. Her son had grown up, become sensible, and perhaps she shouldn’t meddle too much. “Once you’re back in Mingzhou, come home immediately.”

“Yes, ma’am, my dearest mother.”

“One more thing. Several of your friends have called asking about you. You should give them a call, too,” Yun Rong instructed before hanging up.

After the call, Zhong Yun thought for a moment and decided to call Tian Hai first.

As expected, the hot-tempered Tian Hai nearly jumped through the phone to punch him. “You bastard! Disappeared without a word for over a month. What do you think you’re doing?”

Zhong Yun coaxed and promised all sorts of things before Tian Hai’s anger began to subside.

“I’ll settle the score with you when you get back. Now, call Liu Yunqi immediately—she’s been going crazy looking for you.” With that, Tian Hai hung up.

Scratching his head, Zhong Yun hadn’t expected his absence would cause such a stir. He thought a simple explanation would suffice, but clearly Tian Hai was right—he hadn’t considered the feelings of those who cared about him.

Troubles that filled his heart with warmth.

Taking a deep breath, Zhong Yun dialed that number.

The moment the call connected, the beautiful and familiar face of Liu Yunqi appeared before him. The latest panoramic video technology rendered every detail of her face with crystal clarity; her eyes shimmered with a dreamy light, as if filled with a thousand words.

In the end, all she said was, “You’re back.”

Something in his chest felt ready to explode. Zhong Yun found it hard to breathe. “I…” His throat caught, and he couldn’t say another word.

The two gazed into each other’s eyes, the atmosphere tender and silent. Even through the phone, they could both clearly sense the gentle emotion that lingered between them.

“I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

After a long while, Zhong Yun’s excitement finally settled, and he spoke softly.

“I’ll be waiting,” Liu Yunqi’s cherry lips parted, her eyes flowing with quiet joy.

Those simple words left Zhong Yun utterly captivated.

After the call ended, he lay down on the sofa, pressing his hand to his chest, as if his heart might leap out at any moment.

“So, Zhong Yun was intercepted by the Yang family?”

In the office of the CEO at Yidao Group headquarters, Zhao Tingjian, who had been leaning back in his chair, sat up straight upon hearing Zhao Dai’s report. His weary face grew grave.

“It was my failure,” Zhao Dai said, filled with self-reproach.

“This isn’t your fault. The Yang family is not someone you can contend with. You did well.” Zhao Tingjian’s words were gentle and comforting.

A warmth spread through Zhao Dai’s heart. There was a reassuring strength in the CEO’s words that swept away his dejection, and he unconsciously straightened his posture.

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Tingjian said, “You may go now. I’ll handle this matter.”

Zhao Dai nodded and quietly left this office, which symbolized Yidao Group’s highest authority.

As he exited, a question lingered in his mind: Who exactly was this young man called Zhong Yun, to command such attention from both the CEO and the Yang family?

Now alone in the vast office, Zhao Tingjian sat in his chair, brow slightly furrowed, lost in thought.

Why had Yang Yunrong intercepted Zhong Yun? Was it merely to undermine Yidao Group’s prestige, or was there another motive?

The relationship between Yidao Group and the Yang family was delicate. There was no real conflict of interest, yet beneath the surface, they constantly tried to outdo each other. Both sides wanted to have the upper hand.

On the surface, Yidao Group had seemed to dominate for more than a decade, but in reality, that wasn’t the case. The Yang family had more than just Giant Machinery Corporation.

Combined, the Yang family’s businesses were worth twice as much as Yidao Group. More frightening was their hidden power, cultivated over centuries—so deep it was unfathomable.

Ever since the emergence of this behemoth, the Yang family, Zhao Tingjian had always avoided direct competition, intentionally steering clear of their domains.

Thus, Yidao Group and the Yang family had managed to coexist peacefully.

Friction, however, was inevitable—especially with someone as unpredictable as Yang Yunrong.

Zhao Tingjian had studied the senior executives of Giant Machinery Corporation, and among them, Yang Yunrong, head of the Mecha Department, was the most elusive.

According to the information gathered, this man was not only volatile but also utterly unscrupulous—even the mayor was not beyond his wrath.

Such a person was a headache, especially considering his status as the Yang family’s second young master. Most people could only swallow their grievances, never daring to show them openly.

What puzzled Zhao Tingjian was whether this was a signal from the Yang family via Yang Yunrong, or just the reckless whim of a pampered heir wanting to make Yidao Group lose face.

After pondering for a long time and coming up with several contingency plans, Zhao Tingjian finally looked up at the empty office and spoke:

“Connect me to Xiao Ruo.”

“Yes, sir,” the intelligent assistant replied.

“Uncle Zhao, is there any news about Zhong Yun?” The moment the call connected, Xiao Ruo asked impatiently.

Seeing her anxious face, the lines on Zhao Tingjian’s face softened. “Yes, there’s news.”

“Really?” Xiao Ruo’s beautiful eyes widened, sparkling with surprise and joy. “Where is he?”

“You care about him a great deal—it seems your relationship isn’t so ordinary.” Zhao Tingjian smiled.

“No… we’re just… ordinary friends,” Xiao Ruo stammered, her fair cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

Zhao Tingjian sighed inwardly. With Zhong Yun’s rather average talents, he was hardly a match for someone like Xiao Ruo. He didn’t wish for them to be together.

But he merely chuckled and said, “He’s already on a flight to Mingzhou. He should arrive today.”

“That’s wonderful.” Xiao Ruo’s embarrassment turned to delight, her face breaking into a sweet smile. When she smiled, her eyes narrowed into crescents—so adorably charming.

Just like her mother.

For a moment, Zhao Tingjian was lost in thought.